At MENG & ASSOCIATES (“M&A“), we deeply uphold the principle that “access to justice is a fundamental right, not a privilege.” We acknowledge the significance of contributing to the communities in which we have the privilege of practicing. Above and beyond what may be required by law, M&A recognizes its ethical and moral obligation to provide pro bono legal services to those who cannot afford professional representation, such as low-income individuals as well as non-profit organizations.

As a firm, we strive to ensure that pro bono service is part of the practice of every lawyer and are committed to achieving a target of at least 30 billable firm hours per year dedicated specifically to pro bono legal aid for individuals and organizations who are eligible for our pro bono service.

In addition to formal legal practices, all M&A lawyers and staff members are encouraged to engage in volunteer activities that support social service organizations, charities, and disadvantaged communities, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter, serving food at a soup kitchen, or working on humanitarian projects. While these noble efforts are not classified as “pro bono billable hours,” M&A highly values this social contribution and may provide firm-level recognition for such individual projects.

1. Who is eligible for pro bono legal services from M&A?

To ensure our resources reach those in greatest need within the Cambodian jurisdiction, pro bono services are only available to:

• Indigent individuals who meet the poverty threshold, including those with insufficient income to support their basic living needs;
• Vulnerable groups who are the victims of felonies or misdemeanors, women, children, garment workers, and marginalized populations;
• Non-profit entities encompass charitable, religious, community, or educational organizations that operate on a strictly not-for-profit basis, primarily serving low-income individuals or addressing critical societal needs.

2. Matters and Natures of Exclusion

To maintain the professional integrity and intended impact of our pro bono legal services, the following matters are excluded from our internal definition of pro bono service:

• Personal Favors: Legal assistance for friends or family members of M&A attorneys, staff members, or other employees of the Firm;
• Client Accommodations: Services provided as a “favor” to existing paying clients or their employees.
• Business Development: Matters undertaken with the expectation of a fee either in the instant matter or in a future matter for that client or for a related client;
• Affiliated Organizations: Religious or educational institutions with which an attorney has a personal affiliation (unless that work solely involves the charitable works of that institution or involves the provision of other direct benefits for low-income individuals);
• General Service: Standard community service or serving on a board of trustees (unless providing direct legal counsel to an eligible non-profit).

3. Our standards of representation

In compliance with the law and ethical practices, M&A guarantees that pro bono clients will receive the same level of professional diligence, procedural rigor, and ethical standards as our paying clients. Please also be informed that all pro bono matters are subject to our standard conflict-of-interest checks.

4. How to apply for our pro bono service?

Should you or your organization be eligible for pro bono M&A assistance, please reach out to our office to arrange a preliminary evaluation. Acceptance of cases is subject to the firm’s current capacity and the specific merits of the legal matter. You can find our contact details as follows:

MENG & ASSOCIATES LAW OFFICE

#10, St. 596, Boeng Kak II, Toul Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Email: info@meng.legal

Tel:    +855 23 882 259

Mob:  +855 77 222 885